What is a Domain Name

The internet is a network of computers which are connected and capable of communicating with each other using a network protocol called TCP/IP. In order for the machines to identify themselves, they are assigned a numeric value called an IP address (ex: 123.12.123.12). As it is not possible to remember all those numbers for all the different sites, the concept of domain names was introduced. A domain name is a human readable and memorable representation of an IP address. When someone types in a domain name like HostMonster.com, the browser communicates with a root domain name server that acts as a dictionary and provides the appropriate IP.

What's in a Domain Name

A domain name consists of two parts: a top-level domain (TLD) and a second-level domain (SLD). In the domain name HostMonster.com, the TLD is ".com" and the SLD is "hostmonster." The "http" is not part of the domain name; rather, it is the protocol and a part of the entire web address, called a URL. So, when you choose your domain name, you are only concerned with the TLD and SLD.

The SLD is where your creativity and originality comes in. You may choose any name you like, as long as it does not infringe upon someone else's trademark. You may only use alphanumeric characters and hyphens, though hyphens can not be used adjacently. Symbols and blank spaces are also not permitted in domain names.

How to Register a Domain Name

To register a new domain name you will need a HostMonster Hosting Account. Once logged in to your Hosting Account, there will be two different ways to register a domain

Maintaining your domain registration and hosting services within the same account allows you to manage both services with only one login password, making it easier for you to stay on top of everything related to your website. This article explains the process to transfer your domain to [% provinfo.n

This article explains how to prepare your domain to be transferred from HostMonster to a new registrar. You'll initiate the transfer itself with the gaining registrar, but there are a few things you can do to ensure the process goes smoothly.